Michael John Kooy (RBC Dominion Securities)
Here is why I am an outstanding Member of the Chamber of Commerce
Voters will see this text.
There's been a huge increase in people experiencing homelessness in our city, and many of them have addictions and untreated mental health conditions. This has come at a huge human cost for these folks, but has also negatively impacted businesses and public areas. I've joined a small group of citizen activists committed to building a made-in-Sarnia response focused on new supportive housing, which combines permanent shelter with medical and addictions support. We've been active in three areas. First is public awareness. We've hosted town halls, a film screening and media interventions, including a video on the economics of homelessness, to highlight solutions that bring business, service providers and non-profits together for a whole-of-community response. Second, we've engaged with political leaders at all levels. We joined the Chamber visit to Queen's Park in September and have met with three Ontario ministers (Flack, Tibollo, Calandra). We encouraged the County of Lambton in their efforts to identify sites available for development through contracted work with Flourish (non-profit housing advisory). And through our advocacy the City designated some downtown parking for housing. Finally, with Rotary we've raised funds through a new fundraiser called the Mackinac Breakfast Extravaganza, which draws 200 community leaders each year.
